Ultrasonography for Diagnosis of Technical Implant Errors: A Pilot Study in Sheep Model

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate technical implant errors with CBCT and ultrasonography and to evaluate the success of USG in demonstrating these errors. Method: Two freshly cut sheep heads were obtained. A radiological examination was performed with both CBCT and USG before and after the dental implant placement. 10 implants (2 right, 3 left) were placed to represent a represent normal placement implant and 4 different complications: crestal bone defect, cortical bone perforation, mental foramen perforation, mandibular canal perforation. Results: The implants placed in the normal position without complications could not be visualized by USG in both sheep heads. Perforation areas of implants in the cortical bone were visualized by USG in both samples. The mental foramen could be visualized preoperatively with USG, and the perforations caused by the implants in the mental foramen could also be visualized with USG. In addition, positive findings were obtained by USG in a crestal bone defect. Mandibular canal perforation could not be visualized by USG in both heads. Conclusion: USG is a useful imaging method that can be used to quickly detect technical errors such as cortical perforation, mental foramen perforation, crestal bone loss, and placement outside the bone that occur during implant surgery. Keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography, ultrasonography, dental implant